Obtaining a Student Visa

If you do not have a passport, you must obtain one from the appropriate office of your government. Your passport must be always valid at least six months into the future. It is your responsibility to be aware of the expiration date of your passport and to renew it at the appropriate time.

We recommend that you schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate as soon as possible. Processing times for visa issuance vary and may require additional time due to security checks on applications. For the latest information on visa processing, required materials, and current listings of U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad, we recommend the following web link from the U.S. Department of State: http://usembassy.state.gov/

Pay your I-901 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, mandated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at (www.ice.gov/sevis/i901).

Carefully read all information on Form I-20, especially page two. This will explain your legal responsibilities as an F-1 student in the United States. Sign the Student Certification (#11) on page-1 of Form I-20, and provide the information requested if under the age of 18.

With your passport, proof of financial support, Form I-20, and acceptance letter from WP, please contact the nearest:

  • U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Again, consult the above link for the processing procedures in your home/passport country. The U.S. Consular Officer will review your papers. If everything is in order, an F-1 student visa will be issued permitting you to enter the U.S. for the purpose of studying at William Paterson University. This will result in William Paterson University being listed on the visa page in your passport.
  • Please note: If you have received a Form I-20 from more than one school, be sure to use the I-20 of the school you plan to attend when applying for your visa; the Consular Officer will only issue the visa for one Form I-20 and will cancel all other I-20s in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).